Despite financial doom and gloom, it seems we’re still making sure we go on holiday. Hurrah! Good for the health; good for the soul.

Nick Ball, editor of a popular guide to Lanzarote, tells us that in the first half of this year, his particular Canary Island – he’s lived there six years – experienced a bumper increase in British visitors.

Nick tells us: “According to research recently released by AENA, the Spanish airport authority, tourist visits from the UK have, in fact, increased by a whopping 15.6% during the first half of this year, in comparison with the same period in 2007.

“The island received 509,755 British guests up until the end of this June (2008).

“Irish visitor numbers have increased, too – with 123,047 tourists from Eire travelling to Lanzarote over the same period.

“This is a rise of 5.4% on 2007 figures – and an indication of the island’s incredible popularity in the Republic – Lanzarote attracts more Irish visitors annually than any other destination in Spain.

“Other key markets, such as the Netherlands, Austria, Norway and Sweden, have also helped contribute to an overall increase in foreign visitor numbers of 5.6% during the first half of 2008. Germany is the only major market returning negative figures – down 13% to date on 2007.

“The Canary Island Tourist Board has also recently reported that the number of Spanish nationals visiting Lanzarote is on the rise, too – it’s gone up 3.7% during the first half of 2008.

“Collectively, these figures represent the best first half year performance that Lanzarote has enjoyed for many years – a trend which, if continued, will see the island break the one million British visitors barrier for the first time since 2003.”